Dear Editor,

I took a trip earlier this year on my way back to the airport, I told the taxi man that I’m never coming back “home.” He looked like he wanted to cry and went off on a rant blaming the police for making the country unsafe. I remember one thing he said that stood out; “if you did not come back home, how I would get the US$25 that I get this morning.”

I meant what I said. Sincerely, but I could change my mind.

It was a completely different country that I saw. I felt like I was being watched every step of the way. I felt a latent unease the minute I landed at the airport. Once out and about my “discomfort” increased dramatically. I won’t say much more on that. I spoke to a few younger guys that I knew and I was shocked at the glorification of “badmanism”, unbelievable. They literally worshipped the Don. I’m talking country bush bush.

Upon my arrival at the airport, the custom officer asked some very rude and intrusive questions; like why I had so much “things.” I’m a computer tech guy and businessman so I have all types of gadgets that I need. He also went on to question me about why it took me so long to return home — seven years. He wanted to find out exactly the district I was staying, which I found quite odd. He seized a pair of pants I had because they are not allowed in the country — ridiculous. 

I have relatives that I’m close to still there but I don’t think that is enough reason for me to return. Next time I need a vacation I’ll go elsewhere. Jamaica is not the only place in the world with sun and sea. I just feel sad about the whole thing but at this time, I don’t feel like ever returning there again…ever. 

Leewayne